Hwy 299

1 Willow Creek Ace Hardware 2 a. Bigfoot Rafting Co. b. Bigfoot Rafting Co. and Steelhead Cottages 3 Redwoods & Rivers

Trinity County, one of California’s original 27 counties, was established in 1850. At that time it stretched all the way to the coast and north to the Oregon border. Today there are 58 counties. All of Humboldt County and Del Norte County, and a big chunk of Siskiyou County, were carved out of the original Trinity County.

The Trinity River Basin grew from its early Gold Rush days into a vibrant recreation area. Camping, kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking are among the favorite activities of the area. People say, and it’s probably true, that there are more deer than people here. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities by driving along Hwy 299 and checking out towns and turnouts along the way. The highway runs right across the county from Salyer, at the western end of Trinity County, to Buckhorn Summit at its eastern end. Most of the way Hwy 299 runs alongside the Trinity River, and throughout its length it offers spectacular views of natural beauty: snow-covered peaks, dense forest and the ever-changing face of the Trinity River from the deep gorges and rapids of Burnt Ranch to the more family-friendly waters upriver. Del Loma, Big Bar, Big Flat and Junction City, all situated right on the river, offer a wide variety of amenities from raft and kayak rentals and guided expeditions to campgrounds, resort lodgings and restaurants. Opportunities for satisfying fresh air vacations and activities in the area are limited only by the imagination.

Weaverville, the county seat, retains the flavor of the Old West. There are no stop lights or parking meters here. The town’s historic downtown, with its old buildings, quaint shops and charming atmosphere, as well as a lively arts scene, keeps locals and visitors busy with socializing, shopping and more. Weaverville is particularly well-suited for those who wish to explore the Trinity Alps. It is nestled at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, a 500,000 acre protected area that hosts many a backpacker, equestrian, black bear and mountain lion.

Visitors can take Hwy 3 north from Weaverville to Trinity Lake, another of the area’s many recreational destinations. The lake offers boating, fishing, water sports, resorts, camping and even houseboats. They can also take Hwy 299 east about a dozen miles from Weaverville and, turning north on Trinity Dam Boulevard, head up past the historic town of Lewiston to Lewiston Lake for more fun on the water. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy day kicking back in a canoe and watching bald eagles soar overhead, with or without a fishing pole in your hands. 98 River Rafting the Trinity River A magnet for rafters and kayakers of all ages and skill levels, the Trinity River draws people to itself from around the world to experience its wonders. The water is crystal-clear, the scenery is spectacular, and the available whitewater options range from beginner-friendly runs to extremely dangerous rapids suitable for experts only. Along the way you are likely to see deer or bear feeding along the shore, or a bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead.

Beginners and families with children will want to try the mellow Class II wilderness run of the Lower Trinity. Put in at Hawkins Bar and take out at Willow Creek for a delightful 14-mile run. The wildly popular intermediate (Class II+ to III+) Pigeon Point Run begins near the Pigeon Point campground just downriver from the North Fork of the Trinity, and ends at Cedar Flat, a run of about 25 miles. With multiple excellent put in and take out points along the way, rafters and kayakers can tailor their runs to their tastes, but they are strongly warned not to go beyond Cedar Flat. At that point the treacherous Burnt Ranch Gorge Run begins, 9 miles of Class IV and Class V rapids that stretch from Cedar Flat to Hawkin’s Bar, and which should only be attempted by teams of experts at optimal water flow and only after extensive scouting. Many well-qualified outfitters along Hwy 299 offer guided rafting and kayaking excursions, as well as rentals. Look for them in Willow Creek, Del Loma, Big Bar and Big Flat. MORE INFO: VisitTrinity.com/explore/whitewater-rafting Bigfoot Rafting, 530-629-2263, BigfootRafting.com Redwoods & Rivers, 530-623-4627, Redwoods-Rivers.com

99 Fishing the Trinity River The Trinity River watershed is an angler’s paradise offering four seasons of worldclass fishing. Along with its feeder streams, the Trinity River provides more than 1,500 miles of fishable waters that start high in the mountains of the Trinity Alps. The fly-fishing is legendary. Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead are the local superstars, but there are 11 different species of game fish to be caught including black bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and catfish. MORE INFO: VisitTrinity.com